find the coordinates of the turning points of the curve y = 2x^4-4x^3+3, and determine the nature of these points

To begin, we must first use the fact that turning points of a graph occur at points where the gradient is equal to zero, in other words, points where dy/dx =0. Differentiating the equation with and setting to zero gives dy/dx = 8x3-12x2=0, then, solving for x we get x = 0 and x = 3/2. Putting these x values back into the original equation will give us the coordinates of the turning points which are (0,3) and(3/2,-3/8).The second part of the question asks us to determine the nature of the turning points, for which we will have to use the second derivative. Differentiating dy/dx again gives d2y/dx2=24x2-24x. at x= 3/2, d2y/dx2= 18 which makes it a minimum point since d2y/dx2>0. x=0, d2y/dx2=0 which means it could either be a minimum, maximum, or point of inflection, we will have to run further tests to determine the nature of this point.

JN
Answered by Jenny N. Maths tutor

7804 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Given (x-2) is a factor of ax^3 + ax^2 + ax - 42, find the value of a


2+2 is 4, minus 1, that's what?


using the substitution u=6-x^2 integrate (x^3)/(6-x^2)^1/2 with respect to x, between 1 and 2


If f(x) = sin(2x)/(x^2) find f'(x)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning